Media Academy

The World Athletics Media Academy is an initiative designed to nurture the next generation of sports media professionals across journalism, photography and TV commentary. By addressing critical gaps in talent, diversity and expertise, the Media Academy aims to ensure a strong future for athletics storytelling.

The Media Academy represents the next phase of the long-term Media Development Programme (MDP), originally launched in 1995. Historically, up to three MDP programmes were held each year, bringing together 30-40 young reporters at locations around the world. These sessions were often organised alongside World Athletics Series events or one-day meetings, with recent editions taking place in Nairobi, Glasgow, Xiamen, Lima and Rabat.

The inaugural edition of the World Athletics Media Academy was held during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, offering a unique opportunity for up to 25 talented journalists, photographers and TV commentators to cover the prestigious event on-site.

The Media Academy is delivered through strategic cooperation with the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) and Sony.

Media Academy

* Selection procedures for these programs are already defined and programmes are closed.
** The application/selection procedure will be published in November 2026.